The wildcards are Auburn, Tennessee, and Arkansas. Auburn has to replace most of their offensive line, but last year's veterans were a major disappointment as a unit. If the new kids play better than the old, if their receivers can catch and Will Muschamp can work some magic on the defense, Auburn could make some noise. I'm not as high on Tennessee as some other pundits seem to be. David Cutcliffe did wonders with QB Erik Ainge in his first year but something seems to be missing from the Vols. They're good enough to ruin some contenders' seasons but probably aren't good enough to win the conference. I hope Cal shithammers them in Week 1, even if means enduring the barbs of Pac-10 wonks who think their conference is in the same galaxy as the SEC.
While everyone loves to rip Alabama for being a lunatic program, they at least waited until a subpar season followed a 10-win season to fire their coach. Houston Nutt barely survived a coup immediately following a 10-win season that saw stud RB Darren McFadden introduce himself to the rest of the country. Alabama was his coming out party during his freshman year, and the Razorbacks' win over the Tide last year was also pivotal for McFadden and the team. No one wishes Maurice Clarett had been successful in his legal challenge to the NFL's age limit more than Bama. McFadden has owned the Tide. The Razorbacks will be dangerous if they can get consistent play in the passing game.
Since I've gone this long already, let's talk about my beloved Crimson Tide for a moment. Nick Saban probably won't have a dream season in his first year but Alabama will no longer be the undisciplined team that can't shoot straight. The defense is going to be a mess unless the new kids are better than I think they are and the running game has major questions. John Parker Wilson has two of the SEC's best receivers in DJ Hall and Keith Brown, so points might come to Tuscaloosa through the passing game for the first time in a long time. Their record will probably look similar to last year but the quality of play should be significantly better with big things ahead for the Tide.
It’s time again for football in America’s favorite conference… from which to choose their homecoming opponent. That’s right, football season has at last arrived for The Sun Belt Conference! Woooo! Lock up your women and prepare to have your face blown off by the heart-stopping action! Can you contain your excitement? Of course not! Read below and learn about the teams that will be filling your favorite teams schedule until conference action starts.
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